Supporting the Next Generation on the Water

At Half Moon Bay Marina, boating is about more than vessels and facilities. It’s about people, community, and helping future generations build confidence and connection through time on the water. Over the past year, we’ve been proud to support several local youth sailing initiatives that are introducing young people to boating experiences they may never otherwise have had access to.

Supporting Mangere College’s Youth Sailing Voyage

One of the highlights of the past year was helping fund the Mangere College Youth Sailing 5-Day Voyage, an experience that allowed students to step outside their comfort zones and learn valuable life skills through sailing.

For many of the students, it was their first extended time out on the water. The voyage encouraged teamwork, resilience, communication, and confidence, while also giving students a deeper connection to New Zealand’s marine environment.

Experiences like these can have a lasting impact, helping young people grow both on and off the water.

Helping Local Primary Students Discover Sailing

We were also proud to support Bucklands Beach Primary School Year 4–6 students taking part in Bucklands Beach Yacht Club’s RŪNĀ sailing programme.

The feedback and stories from students afterwards were incredible to read. From learning to steer an Optimist yacht to capsizing for the first time, the experience clearly left a lasting impression.

Students described:
“The sea was green and cold, the sky was sunny and blue.”
“Capsizing was the best part of sailing!”
“Exhausted but happy.”

Beyond the fun, programmes like RŪNĀ teach practical water skills, teamwork, confidence, and respect for the marine environment. All while creating memories that many students will carry for years to come.

Supporting the Howick Sea Scouts

Community boating organisations play an important role in helping young people learn practical skills and develop confidence on the water.

Over the past year, we were pleased to assist the Howick Sea Scouts by supporting maintenance and antifouling work on their yacht, Solitude.

Keeping training vessels safe, reliable, and performing well is essential for programmes like Sea Scouts to continue giving young people hands-on boating experiences in a safe environment.

Investing in the Future of Boating

As a marina, we see firsthand how important it is to create pathways for young people to experience boating, sailing, and marine life in an accessible and positive way. Whether it’s helping students try sailing for the first time, supporting youth voyages, or assisting community organisations that work with young people every week, these initiatives help strengthen the future of New Zealand’s boating community. We’re proud to play a small part in helping the next generation discover a lifelong connection to the water.